Unemployment rises 10% under Starmer's watch, claims Badenoch
- Kemi Badenoch highlighted a 10% increase in unemployment since the last election during PMQs.
- Starmer disputed this claim by asserting the creation of 200,000 new jobs, though figures varied.
- The UK government faces significant scrutiny around economic policies as unemployment figures fluctuate.
In the United Kingdom, during Prime Minister's Questions on May 15, 2025, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch raised concerns regarding rising unemployment rates, stating they have increased by 10% since the last election. This marked a shift in focus for PMQs, which led with discussions about economic issues instead of immigration, intensifying the scrutiny on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's governance. Starmer defended his record by claiming the creation of 200,000 new jobs, presenting evidence from the Office for National Statistics to support his assertions. However, Badenoch countered that official estimates indicated a decline of approximately 100,000 jobs over the same period, hinting at discrepancies in the data being referenced by both parties. This exchange reflects broader anxieties surrounding the UK’s current economic landscape amid fluctuating employment figures. The backdrop of this debate includes significant immigration concerns as well, as a range of political figures, including Reform leader Nigel Farage, highlighted recent immigration figures, questioning the government's direction and effectiveness on multiple fronts. Starmer's recent announcements about proposed immigration control measures highlighted the government's efforts to address various interlinked economic issues while facing pressure from political opponents who argue that the administration's approach is inadequate or misguided. This session of PMQs elucidated the stark divisions within the UK Parliament concerning economic strategy, immigration, and broader governance strategies. The discussions raised not just immediate questions about unemployment but also the longer-term implications for the UK economy as the country moves forward. Overall, Badenoch's focus on economic performance signals the Conservative Party's strategy to regain ground in light of growing unemployment and discontent among the public regarding job availability and economic direction, setting the stage for continued debate around these critical issues.